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By Mustapha Muhammad Tukur Illo The recent working visit of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has exposed more than just an attempted financial scandal; it has laid bare the deep resistance to transparency within certain power circles surrounding the Hajj administration. By dismantling a calculated plot to misappropriate billions of naira earmarked for the 2026 Hajj, Professor Usman effectively crossed a red line for those who see public institutions as avenues for personal enrichment. Available facts point to a coordinated attempt by some individuals, working alongside selected service providers, to deliberately downgrade the quality of services meant for Nigerian pilgrims. The plan was simple but sinister: alter existing contractual agreements, cut corners on accommodation, transportation, and welfare, and divert the excess funds into private hands. Had this scheme succeeded, th...

What was billed as a principled stand against mismanagement at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria now appears to have been something else entirely: a calculated transaction dressed up as institutional reform  What unfolded at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in recent was presented to the public as an act of conscience. A vote of no confidence. A claim of moral concern. A board rising to defend pilgrims and process. Multiple sources with direct knowledge of events inside the Commission describe a board that did not challenge power but auctioned it. According to these accounts, the move against the Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, known as “Pakistan,” was not driven by governance failures or policy breaches. It was driven by inducement. Sources say a commissioner was at the forefront of the agenda to write the vote of no confidence for the chair after collecting huge sums from a service provider that felt threatened by the chairman and board members...

​Your Excellency, ​As the custodian of our national trust and the leader of Nigeria’s reform agenda, we bring to your urgent attention the unfolding crisis behind the scenes at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The battle being fought today is not a mere administrative disagreement; it is a full-scale war launched by "entrenched interest networks" to sabotage any attempt to sanitize pilgrims' funds from systematic looting. ​Your Excellency, in the interest of truth and justice, we present the following technical facts: ​1. The Myth of Individual Responsibility vs. Financial Controls: The current Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, is facing a coordinated character assassination campaign by certain Board members. We must ask: How can the Chairman be solely accused of financial mismanagement when the "Approving Officer" (Commissioner of Finance/PPMF), the Accounts Department, and Internal Audit must all sign off on every transact...

The integrity of Nigeria’s Hajj operations depends not only on strong policies but also on principled leadership that places the welfare of pilgrims above all other considerations.  In recent developments surrounding the administration of the Hajj, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has continued to demonstrate a firm and consistent commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of pilgrims’ rights. Observers of the process will agree that managing the complexities of Hajj logistics, international coordination, and service delivery requires not only administrative competence but also moral courage.  It is in this context that Professor Usman’s stance against injustice and exploitation stands out as both timely and commendable. From the outset, his position has remained clear and unwavering: 1.He does not tolerate any form of injustice against pilgrims. 2.He does not permit Nigerian pilgrims ...

A coalition of civil society organisations has called for the resignation of certain members of the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), citing concerns over governance, accountability, and institutional stability at the Commission. In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Muhammad Nda Auwal, the coalition said it reviewed the ongoing dispute within NAHCON and expressed alarm over the conduct of some Board members, warning that the situation could erode public trust, disrupt Hajj preparations, and damage Nigeria’s international standing. The group stated that Board members who are subjects of ongoing or inherited cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lack the moral authority to sit in judgment over the management of the Commission. According to the statement, unresolved integrity issues undermine the credibility of any oversight role and render allegations against NAHCON’s management questionable. The coalition faulted wh...

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Kano State Police Command for its swift and professional response that led to the arrest of suspects involved in the brutal killing of a housewife and her children in Dorayi Quarters, Kano. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday. Governor Yusuf described the prompt action of the police as a clear demonstration of commitment and courage in protecting the lives and property of the people of Kano State. He said the horrific incident, which claimed the lives of an innocent mother and her children, deeply saddened the state, but the speed with which the suspects were tracked and arrested has restored public confidence in the security agencies. The governor praised the Commissioner of Police and officers involved for deploying intelligence-led operations that led to the breakthrough, stressing that such professionalism must be sustained to deter c...

The Kano State Government has announced the official resumption dates for schools across the state for the commencement of the second term of 2025/2026 academic session. According to the announcement, boarding schools are to resume on Sunday, 18th January 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, 19th January 2026. This directive applies to all public, private, and voluntary schools operating within the state. Parents and guardians of boarding students are advised to ensure that their wards return to school as early as possible and before evening on the stipulated resumption dates to allow for proper settling and preparation for academic activities. Furthermore, all heads of schools and teachers have been directed to ensure that teaching and learning commence on Monday, 19th January 2026, without fail. School proprietors and administrators are expected to put all necessary measures in place to guarantee a smooth and orderly resumption. In a goodwill message, the Com...

The Association of Resident Doctors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (ARD AKTH), Kano, has formally directed it's members to resume the suspended indefinite strike following the failure of federal government to address on the prevailing challenges confronting resident doctors nationwide. The chairman's ARD AKTH chapter, Dr. Aminu Bello Aminu said that following extensive deliberations and in strict alignment with the directive of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the ARD AKTH hereby declares its decision to join the Total and Indefinite Consolidated Strike (TICS 2.0). Speaking with newsmen in Kano, Dr. Aminu said that the strike action is scheduled to commence by 12:00 midnight on Monday, 12th January 2026.  He explained that the decision was not taken lightly. It follows prolonged engagement, repeated assurances, and persistent failure by relevant authorities to address critical welfare, training, and remuneration concerns affecting resident doct...

Recent allegations emerging from within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have raised serious concerns about administrative conduct and adherence to due process, particularly involving Commissioner Elegushi.  Multiple internal sources allege that clear directives issued from the Office of the Vice President regarding personnel management have been disregarded, prompting growing unease among staff and stakeholders committed to institutional integrity. According to these accounts, the commissioner is accused of retaining individuals who are no longer eligible for service, including retired staff and a former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in direct contradiction to established civil service regulations and explicit instructions reportedly issued at the highest level of government.  Insiders describe this as a deliberate act that undermines both the authority of the Vice President and the rule-based governance framework guiding federal inst...

A fresh wave of controversy is sweeping through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as mounting allegations implicate the Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, in what insiders describe as a brazen disregard for civil service rules, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s explicit directive, and growing tendencies of nepotism and impunity. Multiple senior staff who spoke to this newspaper, fearing reprisals, disclosed that Mr. Elegushi has continued to retain a retired NAHCON official, Mr. Gaffar, who left the service in 2023. Despite having no legal standing within the commission, the retired officer allegedly maintains unrestricted access to official operations and enjoys privileges befitting a serving staff. “He has no portfolio, no official role, yet he attends meetings, travels with the commissioner, and even maintains offices in both Abuja and Saudi Arabia,” one source lamented. “This is a clear violation of the Public Service Rules, and staff confidence i...

His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria State House, Abuja Your Excellency, I write as a concerned citizen and Muslim who cares deeply about the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and the reputation of our country. I respectfully urge you to review the current supervisory arrangement of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and return its day to day supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), while keeping it firmly under the Presidency as required by law. This request is about efficiency, productivity, accountability, and the long term stability of Hajj administration in Nigeria. 1. Brief history of Hajj management in Nigeria 1. In 1953, Alhaji Abubakar Imam moved a motion in the Northern House of Assembly for a Nigerian pilgrims office in Jeddah, to protect pilgrims who were facing hardship in Saudi Arabia.  2. Regional Pilgrims Welfare Boards emerged from 1958 in Western Re...

Former NBA star and one of the long-time pillars of of Nigerian basketball, Olumide Oyedeji, praised Lagos Legends for their dramatic 74–72 victory over Rivers Hoopers on Sunday. A win that delivered the franchise its first-ever NBBF Premier League title and a prized ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL). Oyedeji, the proprietor of Hoops N’ Read and a respected NBBF board member, described the victory as “a new chapter” for the domestic league, insisting that Legends’ rise is proof that Nigerian clubs can hit continental standards with the right planning and discipline. “Your victory is the result of hard work, and other teams should learn from the way Lagos Legends went about their business,” Oyedeji said, urging the champions to begin early preparation for the enormous challenge the BAL presents. While his own Hoops N’ Read side did not reach the Final Four this season, bowing out in the Final Eight, Oyedeji remained fully invested in the league’s growth. ...

The Emir of Rano, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Isa Umaru has pledged to support Maryam Idris  Umar College of Education aimed at boosting education in the emirate, and statewide. The Emir made the pledge while receiving the management, staff and students of the college led by the proprietor and provost of the institution, Alhaji Sani Jogana and Hajiya Bilkisu Abdullahi Turaki who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace. A statement signed by the college's head of public relations department , Ado Salisu, said the emir described education as a backbone of every development especially at this critical period. Ambassador Dr Muhammad Isa Umaru assured the leadership of the college that the emirate will do everything possible to support it with a view to actualize it's objectives. While expressing gratitude to the college management for the visit, he urged them to sustain the tempo for the overall development of education in the state and beyond. Ear...

When justice is delayed, it ceases to be justice. Equity demands that justice must not only be done, but done in good time. Time, in many respects, is the currency that gives justice its meaning. The prolonged delay in the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) undermines these principles of natural justice and equity. Why? It has been more than four months since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Engr. Ramat. He has undergone screening by the Senate and, by every legal and professional standard, fulfilled the requirements of the position. Yet, vested interests have kept his confirmation in limbo. The Senate Committee on Power—after a thorough, transparent, and bipartisan screening—unanimously cleared him. Their report, recommending his confirmation, was duly transmitted to the Senate leadership over a month ago. Accordingly, the Senate Order Paper of October 22 clearly listed his confirmation as a...

The Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA) has expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to enhance social protection interventions targeting the poor and vulnerable across the state. This was disclosed during a courtesy visit to the Foundation’s office by the Director General of KASPA, Dr. Fatima Abubakar Abdullahi (Amneef), who led a high-level delegation comprising all directors of the agency. In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Agency, Rabi'u Khalil Kura, said the Director General reaffirmed KASPA’s mandate as the coordinating authority responsible for harmonizing, implementing, and monitoring all social protection activities in Kano State.  She emphasized that the agency’s core mission is to reduce poverty, improve social inclusion, and strengthen the livelihoods of citizens across all 44 local government areas. Dr. Fatima conveyed the appreciation of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir ...

The Gold Medal Winning Volleyball Female team, Bayero University Kano BUK players have dedicated their medal at the just concluded NUGA Games to the institution's Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa and coach Usman Abdullah. The BUK volleyball team who among the 91 universities competed in this year's Nigerian University Games Association NUGA held at University of Jos has described their victory to the commitment and support from institution's management and the technical bench led by ex international, Usman Abdullah. The university's captain Faith Baba Kenzie said despite the challenges in the prelims, the players played as a team to emerge victory at the end of the tournament. ''This remarkable achievement is the first-ever gold medal in the history of team sports for our university, and the athletes have unanimously dedicated this historic victory to you, Professor Haruna Musa in appreciation of your fatherly support, guidance, a...

The Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) has approved the dates for the 38th edition of Dala Hard Courts Tennis championship, as over 200 players across the country are expected to compete in the seven days tournament . The tournament Director, Alhaji Yusuf Datti stated this while briefing Newsmen on the preparations ahead of the competition. Alhaji Yusuf Datti who doubles as Vice President of Nigerian Tennis Federation said that the championship will take place from 20th to 29th November, 2025 at the Kano Club tennis section The Director added that the preliminary rounds will be held from 21st to 23rd November while the main draw commencing on Monday 24th November and final will hold on 29th. Alhaji Yusuf Datti who is also a registrar of Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu University KHAIRUN pointed out that the organisers have requested the NTF to invite the top 30 ranked men and the top 10 ranked ladies to participate in the main draw of the event. ''This year's budget is pr...

Utopia Bath & Kitchen, a renowned British bathroom manufacturer, has officially registered its trademark in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing global expansion strategy. Founded in 1989, Utopia is celebrated as one of the United Kingdom’s most established and respected bathroom manufacturers. For more than three decades, the company has embodied the finest traditions of British craftsmanship, innovation, and design excellence — values that continue to define its products and partnerships worldwide. All Utopia products are designed and made to the highest standards of quality and precision engineering. The company’s comprehensive range includes complete bathroom solutions such as furniture, vanities, basins, sanitaryware, mirrors, storage, and accessories — each created with meticulous attention to detail and durability. Through a consistent commitment to excellence, Utopia has earned multiple industry awards and conti...

Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR) and an experienced strategic communication specialist, has assumed office as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI).  A seasoned military officer with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the prestigious Bayero University Kano (BUK), his appointment signals a renewed focus on strategic communication within the military. The handover took place during a brief ceremony at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), following a recent reorganization within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Brig. Gen. Uba took over from Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, whom he appreciated for his achievements during his tour of duty. In his inaugural address, Brig Gen Uba pledged to steer the Directorate under four strategic priorities: unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and media collaboration. He commended his predecessor for his contributions and wished him success...

Introduction At last, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has taken the decision he had long planned against Nigeria, following complaints by some Nigerian Christians who alleged that they were victims of religious persecution in the country. Trump had once placed a similar sanction on Nigeria during his first term, but after he lost the election to Joe Biden, Biden reversed that “rash and unfair” decision. This new ruling, however, demands that Nigeria take certain actions in line with America’s interests — or face a series of sanctions. For example, these “American interests” could include the following: 1. Any Nigerian state practicing Sharia Law must abolish it. 2. Any law that prohibits blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) must be repealed. 3. Any location where Christians wish to build a church must grant them permission to do so. 4. Anything that Christians claim makes them “uncomfortable” in the country — such as businesses involv...